London gang problem is not same as Glasgow’s, says Met front runner

Stephen House is favourite to become the next head of the MetLes Gallagher

The police chief tipped to become the next head of the Metropolitan Police has warned against comparing the gang-related problems in Scotland with those in London.

Stephen House, Strathclyde Chief Constable, emerged as the clear favourite after his success in tackling violence in Glasgow. The Prime Minister identified the methods used by Strathclyde as the blueprint for the rest of the country.

However, in 2008 Mr House told the BBC: “Although both London and Glasgow have problems with gangs, the nature of the problems are completely different so comparisons are simply not valid.”

He added that, in his view, gang problems could not be tackled through policing measures alone. “The groups who are most at risk ... are the same groups that are most at risk…

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